AmirAli Minaei

Christian convert Amirali Minaei was arrested on 7 December 2023 by security forces in Tehran due to his Christian activities. Currently in his thirties, he is serving a sentence of 3 years and 7 months in Evin Prison.

After his arrest, Amirali was held for 66 days in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, where he was subjected to intense interrogations by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence. He was eventually released temporarily on bail of 600 million tomans (approximately $10,000) pending his trial.

Amirali’s trial was held on 16 March 2024, at Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. Iman Afshari is known for issuing unjust sentences and is on the list of serious human rights violators. Amirali was sentenced to 3 years and 7 months of imprisonment and deprivation of social rights (Class 5) on the charge of “propaganda against the state through activity and establishment of a house church.” The verdict was delivered to Amirali and other defendants in the case in early April 2024, and shortly thereafter, they were summoned to Evin Prison to begin their sentences.

After his temporary release on bail, Amirali was under medical care for heart problems that had developed as a result of the pressures from his detention. However, prison officials insisted on him starting his sentence without considering his physical condition and inability to endure imprisonment. Thus, after reporting to Evin Prison on 29 April 2024, Amirali was transferred to Ward 8 of the prison.

As his sentence began, Amirali’s physical condition deteriorated due to the pressures in prison. His request for parole was rejected due to his “lack of cooperation” with the Ministry of Intelligence. Security officials often pressure prisoners of conscience to cooperate and provide information about other converts in exchange for benefits such as temporary leave, pardons, or early release. Minaei refused to accept such conditions, which led to increased pressure and hardship against him.

His repeated requests for medical services were also met with restrictions by prison officials. In March 2025, it was reported that this Christian citizen was assaulted by guard Mehdi Salimi during his imprisonment, which worsened his chest and heart condition. Reports indicated delays by prison authorities in sending him to the infirmary. Despite concerns about Amirali’s health, there was a delay in his prompt transfer to a hospital for examination by a cardiologist.

In April 2025, it was reported that Amirali’s leg had been severely injured and the bone was fractured in an accident. According to the same report, after a week, prison officials transferred him to a hospital for an X-ray of his leg. A week later, he was transferred to the hospital again, and his leg was put in a splint. Concerns about Amirali’s critical physical condition persist.